Goodness sakes!

I just realized I haven't blogged for a long, long time!

I'll try to hit some high-lights:

• We left for the Cities at a pretty decent time on Saturday, September 5. We had a fun stop for a few hours at Nana and Papa's in St. Cloud. As always, it was wonderful to see Nana and Papa (and Nana had quite the spread of food - imagine that - include Carson's favorite - chicken noodle soup). It is so special to see how comfortable Grace is still in their home. We're thankful that it looks to stay that way! She is surrounded by love!
• On to the Cities - first stop - Science Museum. We took in the museum, the Titanic exhibit and an IMAX about the Titanic. And yes, we left with two happy kids after all of that museum time. The only time that wasn't as exciting for Grace was the Titanic exhibit. It was absolutely AMAZING. It is on through early January - if you have the opportunity to go - DO IT!!! There were over 200 artifacts from the ocean floor.
• We got settled in at Marisa's. Marisa got to meet Grace for the first time! The kids were wiped out, so it didn't take too much convincing to get them to sleep.
• Sunday was Valleyfair day! We didn't know what to expect, but we hoped for good weather and fun. We got both! We received our tickets comped due to our one year passport through Give Kids the World. There was a packet of other freebies too, along with an adorable Valleyfair dog for Carson (since he was the Wish Kid). We took in quite a few rides, some yummy treats, enjoyed the water park and left very tired but smiling (and with the same two kids we entered with).
• We got to see Marisa's parents on Sunday night - was great to see them and introduce them to Grace (and they could see how much Carson had grown).
• We got going Monday and enjoyed a stop to see Miss Paityn. She was feisty and wasn't too sure about visitors (just as Carson was, Paityn is suspicious of anyone entering her hospital room). It was so wonderful to see her and her amazing parents!
• We shopped for shoes for both kids (no tax in Minnesota!), ate lunch and then we were on our way.
• We took supper over to Grammy's on Monday night - it was her 60th birthday. Unfortunately, her good knee gave out the same day!
• Tuesday brought big changes - we have a third grader in the house! Carson had a great day at school and loves everything and everyone!
• I spent most of Tuesday with Grammy in dr. appts and therapy. Wait-and-see approach with her good-now-bad knee.
• Grace started playgroup on Wednesday. She was so excited! It's with five other kids. It was originally scheduled for twice a week, but will only be on Wednesdays for the fall. It will switch to twice a week in the spring. She knows she is such a big girl - going to 'school'.
• The rest of the week was busy, busy, busy. Work was extra-busy this week.
• Friday was 'flu-shot-fun-day'. We all got flu shots (the seasonal flu shot). Trav and I had a Friday-night date night too. Yummy food, quiet setting, without sticky fingers. It is appealing every now and then.
• This weekend has been garden extravaganza. We have 18 pints of rhubarb jam and the salsa is nearly ready to be put into jars. 28 cups of peeled tomatoes...I'm tired! I'm excited to see how much salsa we get. We still have a TON of tomatoes in the garden.
• Carson started Sunday School today. He'll receive his Bible in October - he can't wait.
• Grace was so good in church today. She started saying her nightly prayers when it was time to pray in church: "Daddy, Mommy, Brother....". So cute!
• Papa Chip arrived yesterday - with the playhouse! He brought my playhouse from my childhood. They got it situated and set in our back yard today (thank goodness the lot next to us is still empty). The kids have already had a ball. My hope is that they make just as many wonderful and imaginative memories as I did. And yes, I can bake up a mean mudpie!
• Whew - I think that's it. I'm ready for bed soon!!! Here's to hopefully a great week!